Moscow in Fastforward

Today we saw Moscow, or as much that could be observed by 3 pm at which point we were due at the American Embassy for a reception. We began the morning in rush hour traffic with a congested metro ride to the Red Square. Before we walked inside the Kremlin walls we were able to watch the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. The video is available for you to view. Once at the Kremlin where we walked around the cathedrals and Armory. At one of the chathedrals, 3 acapella singers provided the most beautiful sounds. It was the first time since coming to this country where I was cold and almost miserable with the mist and snow.

20 Hour Trainride and Tongue for Dinner

The return trip was 6 hours shorter as we did not ride the boundary between Russia and the Ukraine. I spent much of the trip catching up on all the missed sleep from my adventures in Taganrog. The other American Council's Teacher from California and I also spent some of our time on the train watching House reruns.

We returned to Moscow with little incident and met with the other 6 where we discussed our adventures at a Georgian Restaurant near Gorky Park. I had the misfortune of not listening to what was placed in front of us and tried everything that passed my way. This included tongue which I found quite agreeable. I will add that I was through eating after I learned of what was on my palate.

My last day in Taganrog

Today was my last day in Taganrog. My morning began with a trip to Chekhov's birthplace. It is a small home preserved as a museum. Chekhov only spent the first year and a half in the home before money troubles forced the family to move around the area from rental property to rental property. Approximately 10 years later, Chekhov's father was faring better and they moved to another home with the merchant store occupying the first level of the home.

Anton Chekhov was born on January 29, 1860, the third of six surviving children, where his father, Pavel Yegorovich Chekhov, ran a grocery store. A choirmaster, religious fanatic, and keen flogger of his children, Pavel Chekhov has been seen as the model for his son's many portraits of hypocrites. Chekhov's mother, Yevgeniya, was an excellent storyteller who entertained the children with tales of her travels with her cloth-merchant father all over Russia. "Our talents we got from our father," Chekhov remembered, "but our soul from our mother."

Many of Chekhov's writings included Taganrog elements and his fondness for the city was not limited to his writings. His legacy also includes the establishment of museums. He did quite a bit for his home city. He did all he could to help Taganrog become a better, more beautiful city. Taganrog turned for him into some kind of a duty, as the writer kept sending books from his personal library, many of which autographed by their authors, and buying dictionaries, encyclopedias, scientific literature according to a wish list that he had established. Thus an extensive and comprehensive library was created with foreign language literature and reference sections. In many respects thanks to Chekhov's efforts, the Cape of Taganrog is now crowned with a Peter I The Great statue, created by the famous sculptor Mark Antokolsky (1903). Anton Chekhov not only took part in engaging the first-class artist to create the monument, but also sent out fund-raising subscription lists. He was also giving new exhibits to the Art Gallery and left the City his personal library.

I had the opportunity to view many of the influences that Chekhov helped to establish for his favored city, Taganrog including a museum devoted to the area and included relics from Tanace, the nearby Greek ruins, bronze age remnants, Don Cossack materials, and remembering the impact of conflict on human lives.

After the various museum and sites, I visited the Don Cossacks to discuss peace education and the role of religion in the classroom. The American versus Russian perspective of the theory of natural selection and creationism.

My time in Taganrog was at a close, and now it was time for the 20 hour train ride returning me to Moscow where I would meet up with the 7 other American teacher ambassadors to tour the Kremlin, go to the American Embassy, and then depart for the US.

March 15

Today I observed a Chemistry Class of the 8th form. it was completely student centered and students were studying different types of reactions. To do this, they were placed in groups and moved through the different reactions (posted at the table) to record observations and answer questions. The students were all on task and not a single student asked, what do I do next. They were driven to succeed and it showed in the class! Another observation includes teachers. Many observe other's classes and work with them to improve or receive ideas on how to implement the practice after teaching the theory.

The next class I observed was biology and safety. This class was team taught with both a biology and health teacher. This was truly interesting as it tied their lesson's to real world and themselves. Students were actively engaged and again i saw cooperatively learning. One of the teachers explained how they formed their teams with both high and low ability students. All were on task and students were working well together. What else that was amazing- after groups presented their material to the class, the other groups determined their grade by holding up a red/pink piece of paper to indicate good, blue for okay, and green for poor. It was interesting and they were hard on each other.

I then observed a biology club elective course. This is not for a grade, but students may take this class and experiment and research on topics of interest. It was amazing to see students report on their own authentic research about the Azov Sea and NOT RECEIVE A GRADE for all the hard work that obviously went into their endeavor!!!

I also observed an English class by one of my Interpreters. It was phenomenal. The total immersion paradigm of English learning is working well in their schools. Students spoke English very well and the entire lesson was in English and centered on the importance of Chekhov to Taganrog and how it appeared in his literature.

Next I met with the student council representatives. These students were elected by their peers to discuss and build capacity. This was a wonderful experience and the students really had a say in their educational experience!!!

My final activity at school 28 included meeting with the teacher leadership. Here we had a wonderful open dialogue regarding the status of education, the impact of its value, teaching, and learning. I feel that I learned far more that they learned from me. They are truly inspirational in their work which is not always appreciated as viewed by poor salaries.

As we drove away from School 28, I was saddened and filled with feelings of loss. I had enjoyed getting to know the wonderful people that filled its rooms and hallways. I saw a dedicated and exemplary teachers and leaders who ensured that students received an excellent education. I saw students who wanted to be there and who wanted to learn!! I saw love of education and of each other. I admit that I did not want to leave such a special place.

For my last evening, we were off to Rostov to attend the ballet performance of Romeo and Juliet. It was fabulous!!!

Cossack Village- Starocherkassk and Novocherkassk

Starocherkassk is a small island village near the River Don and is approximately 1,000 years old. It is the 'old capital' of the Cossacks and has a nice museum celebrating the Cossack's heritage and history. This was a relatively wealthy culture with little differentiation between lower, upper, and middle class since the warriors would return with expensive souvenirs including metal works, pottery, textiles, jewelry, and weapons. Men were are military serving beginning at age 18 who first studied and then served their community. Since this is an island community, homes were built differently than in other regions of the area to accommodate for flooding. Most homes had two floors, but the main floor was the second level. The last great flood was in 1994.


Here I am wearing a Cossack winter coat, hat, and sword. The swords had special grooves along the flat portion of the blade to aid in blood removal. Women's coats cost as much as the home in which they lived!

This village also had a beautiful cathedral that was built in 1706-1719 and was restored in the 19th century.


Next we travelled to Novocherkassk which is the new or modern capital of the Cossacks. This modern capital of the Cossack's is in the highlands and built in 1806. Here we visited another museum and cathedral. In the museum one could see Cossack items such as boats, weapons, clothing, as well as everyday items. There was also a display for China dish wares. It was explained that the major difference between the two included bright colors in Russian China patterns. One could also see the signature for Catherine the Great and a special coach that had been designed for her, but was never used. It was told to me that this museum is considered the best in the region. Again, we visited another beautiful cathedral and you can see it pictured. During our visit an Orthodox ceremony was occurring and I was able to observe it for a few minutes.

Cossack Capital

Today I visited the old and new capital of the Cossack Region as well as 2 museums and 2 cathedrals. The cathedrals were breathtaking and I cannot wait to share the images. I saw the River Don, Catherine the Greats signature, and her carriage.
It was an impressive day!!!! I admit I am tired and am keeping this short. Will post more later.

Village School

I visited a village school yesterday where they are known through all of the region as being one of the best. To begin my day, broke bread and dipped it in salt which is a tradition (Ukrainian I think). At this school, I saw many innovative techniques that included single sex education and physical education incorporated into the lesson. Students can either sit or stand for writing and are expected to change positions 3 times per class. In addition each corner has a set activity that students must also master.

There is a school psychologist who has one of the best mental health rooms I have ever seen. She works with both children and teachers to help them focus and love themselves. It was quite interesting.

This school had a history museum that focused on the area. There were maps, weapons, letters, and other historical items that had been collected and displayed in the room. I even had the opportunity to hold an American WWII gun that had been found nearby.

The principal rewards his teachers that exceed expectations with monetary gifts and gets rid of those that do not. He seemed like a good instructional leader who cared about his students and staff!!!

I also met with students where they presented me with a cherry goblet that a teacher made and 2 paintings by students. It was a wonderful meeting and he gave me much to think about. Will discuss more when there is time.

My day was recorded by a film crew and I was interviewed as well. Hopefully I won't sound too nervous or silly. It was a great day filled with schools, school leaders, and educators who want to educate the whole child. Truly mind and body to ensure success in school!!